Posted on 06/06/2006 1:35:33 PM PDT by Responsibility2nd
Some records are meant to be broken, but Scottsdale police aren’t happy with one that has been shattered by someone they described as “a very dangerous driver.”
The new speed record clocked last month by photo enforcement cameras along Loop 101 in Scottsdale — at 147 mph — is 16 mph more than the one set by an unknown motorcyclist on Feb. 14.
Lawrence Pargo, 26, of Goodyear was arrested by Scottsdale police at his home May 26 on suspicion of four counts of excessive speeding, reckless driving and endangerment, Scottsdale police Lt. Frank O’Halloran said.
Pargo was clocked and photographed in a silver Hyundai Sonata traveling at speeds ranging from 102 mph to 147 mph on four occasions between 5:47 and 6:20 a.m. May 21.
“He endangered the lives of others as well as himself,” O’Halloran said. “The car was beyond its capabilities, and he was beyond his capabilities of controlling it. The tires aren’t rated for 147 mph. They’re stock tires on a rental car. The car probably was shaking.”
The controversial speed enforcement program includes six cameras along a 7.8-mile stretch of Loop 101 between Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard. A proposed bill in the state Legislature that could ban speed cameras from state highways still is being discussed.
Arresting the worst offenders has been a top priority for the city as part of an effort to send a message to motorists along Loop 101 in Scottsdale, where drivers frequently exceed 100 mph.
Police also have arrested Darren Sucato, 27, of Scottsdale — who had paid four previous speeding violations — on suspicion of excessive speeding, reckless driving and endangerment, O’Halloran said. Sucato was clocked and photographed at 107 mph in his 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Prix at 11:02 p.m. May 23, according to O’Halloran.
The Hyundai that Pargo was driving was either leased or rented. It is owned by P.V. Holding in Virginia Beach, Va., O’Halloran said.
Pargo couldn’t be reached for comment.
Gauging by the e-mails sent from O’Halloran to other officers, Pargo’s arrest was a top priority.
“Please put your best guys on this one and let’s get him this week,” O’Halloran said in an e-mail to officer James Butera on May 22.
If convicted on all counts, Pargo could receive 12 points on his driver’s license — it takes eight points to get a license suspended — and he’ll be placed on a high-risk list among rental car agencies, O’Halloran said.
Tickets start at $157, but each of Pargo’s speeding tickets could cost $200 or more.
“There is no doubt that it is the same car and driver in all four incidents,” Bruce Kalin, the contract administrator for Scottsdale police who is overseeing the program, said in an e-mail.
There were 30,169 speeders clocked at 76 mph or more on Loop 101 during the warning phase of the photo enforcement program between Jan. 22 and Feb. 21. The number of speeders dipped nearly 30 percent the next month, when citations began.
However, in the last two months, the number of speeders has increased to nearly what it was during the warning phase, according to information from the city.
I once did 15 on a rented mule.
Can't fathom such a speed in something with two, four, or any wheels. You'd be peeling bugs from the back of your head if you were exposed. Second thought, big ones might pass through you;)
I'm with you, those things shake too much when they hit 55!
I wish I had the rest of the quote.
My 1967 Pontiac GTO (the Best and Fastest car I've ever owned), with a 4 spd; 400 CID, HO (when new in 67)had a top speed of 134 mph.
And, while things were a little different then, never got a ticket. In fact, in 46 years of driving, have never had a moving violation and only 1 minor accident. "Knock on Wood and thank the Good Lord.
Muscle car speedos are notoriously optimistic.
And Hyundais aren't sick automotive jokes any more. Just like GM doesn't rule the automotive mainstream any more.
That's just plain stupid. I used to drive that fast in Germany, but I had a car that was built for it, and very expensive tires.
Or I might see my suspicions fully validated. I'll save the time and money.
Course if it's true - - - I gotta get meself to Scottsdale soon and check it out.
"Very cool experience."
I drove my wife's 2000 Accord 135 mph in Utah and it was a thrill. No shaking or any signs of going too fast even though the Utah police would think differently.
I've done over 150 in my Vette and it was still accerating, but I ran out of road.
127+ on a Ducati 900ss..
That's why you tuck down behind the fairing. :)
Since C&D lists the stock at 137, perhaps so.
But 135 would still enough to get the lad a ticket or two.
*Snicker*
I wonder if Thrifty Rental know about this "arrangement"....
At 147mph, let's hope for the safety of adjacent motorists that they don't call him on his cell phone for a comment.
Welcome Cobra. I knew you'd show up.
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